Richmond in Rome, Italy: Cultural Activities
There are two ways to learn—by reading and practicing your skills in the classroom, and by going out and seeing the world for yourself. Rome Summer Advantage gives you the chance to specialize in the second. While your classroom experience will be top-notch, it is the included and optional visits to historical sites such as Ostia Antica and the cities of Florence and Venice that truly provide you with a learning advantage.
Depending on the interests of the students on campus, a variety of cultural activities are arranged spontaneously throughout the course of your stay. Attend concerts, go out for ice-cream, join your fellow students for movie nights and play soccer! In some cases a contribution fee may be required.
3-day stopover in London
Depart from the United States and arrive in London, one of the world’s most exciting capitals. Meet your Summer Advantage representative and transfer to your accommodation. At the welcome dinner, you will get the chance to meet your fellow students. The next morning, a local guide will show you the splendors of London on a guided tour. See Trafalgar Square, St. Paul’s Cathedral, Westminster Abbey, the Houses of Parliament and the Tower of London. On day three, say farewell to London and depart for Rome.
Accommodations, airport transfers, breakfasts, dinners, the sightseeing tour and entrance fees are all included in your program fee.
Welcome Reception in Rome
Get to know your fellow students and AIFS staff at a welcome reception. Make new friends, sample authentic Italian food and prepare for summer in Rome!
Ostia Antica
This trip is for students in the class Rome Through the Ages. Just a short drive outside of Rome lies Ostia Antica. During Roman times, it served as the arrival and departure point for all imports and exports to and from the empire. Explore the immense amphitheater, several sets of baths, the forum, food markets and well-preserved living quarters. Enter ancient buildings, such as the bath complex of Neptune, the fish markets and a Roman fast food shop!
The Beach of Rome
As a separate excursion, all students are offered a day trip to swim in the Mediterranean Sea at one of the famous beaches of Rome (Ostia, Fregene or Sperlonga).
Walking Tour of Rome’s Historic Center
Visit the lovely Piazza Navona and the Pantheon, begun in 27 AD by Marcus Agrippa and now the Church of the Santa Maria Rotonda. Also included in the tour are the Campo de’ Fiori, Trevi Fountain and Piazza di Spagna.
Ancient Rome Walking Tour
See the greatest sights of the capital of the empire on a tour of ancient Rome. Imagine the bloody battles that once took place in the Colosseum, Rome’s greatest amphitheater. Wander through hundreds of years of history at the Roman Forum, the social and political heart of the ancient city, and gaze at the richlydecorated Arch of Constantine.
Roman Neighborhoods Walking Tour
Rome is more than famous landmarks; its many neighborhoods have their own distinctive characteristics and identities, cherished by their proud residents. Explore some of Rome’s most moving remembrances of times past on a tour of the Jewish Ghetto, which houses one of the oldest surviving Jewish communities in Europe and abounds with medieval and Renaissance architecture. See also the Protestant Cemetery, where the tombs of Keats and Shelley can be found.
Pizza Making Class
Learn how to make pizza in a Roman pizzeria. You will learn how to shape and stretch the dough, make the sauce, and add typical Italian toppings.
Villa Borghese Bike Tour
Hop on a bike and experience the wonders of the Villa Borghese close up. With an extensive park and gardens, this area is a green oasis in the center of Rome. See the impressive villa and the beautiful Fontana dei Cavalli Marini.
Farewell Evening
Celebrate the end of classes with a dinner party! Share pictures, get the addresses of your fellow classmates so you can keep in touch and enjoy a final evening in Bell’Italia.
Optional excursions
Optional excursion to Venice ($475)
Six sestieri, one hundred and eighteen islands, four hundred bridges and over fifteen hundred years of history make Venice a unique city. Leave Rome on Friday and travel by high-speed train to the enchanting cityof Venice. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided walking tour of the city, including the Doges’ Palace, Bridge of Sighs and St. Mark’s Cathedral. The following morning you will be taken on a tour of some of the best art that Venice has to offer, visiting the Accademia gallery, Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari and the Scuola di San Rocco, before enjoying some free time to explore the city independently. Sunday morning will be free for shopping and more sightseeing—a perfect opportunity for a gondola ride! Afternoon return to Rome by train.
Optional excursion to Florence ($345)
Discover Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Morning departure by train followed by an afternoon sightseeing tour including the Duomo, one of Europe’s most magnificent cathedrals and home of Brunelleschi’s famed dome. See the Baptistry, whose beautiful bronze doors were the result of a renowned fifteenth century contest between Ghiberti and Brunelleschi, and the famous Ponte Vecchio covered bridge. The following morning starts with a visit to the Uffizi Gallery, one of the most impressive art collections in the world. Enjoy some free time for shopping, sightseeing or just sipping a cappuccino before returning by train to Rome.
Fees for these two excursions include accommodations, transportation, sightseeing tours, guides, entrance fees, breakfasts and dinner. Students must enroll and pay for these excursions by April 30. Students who apply after the deadline may enroll subject to availability. If a minimum enrollment of 10 is not achieved, the trip may be cancelled. Once paid for in the U.S. optional excursions are non-refundable.
Dates and itineraries are subject to change.
